TikTok could get a lifeline from Big Tech as a US ban looms

Lobbyists across the industry, including cryptocurrency firms, cloud providers and hardware makers, are pushing to narrow the legislation’s language. — Photo by LOIC VENANCE/AFP

US tech companies are pushing to narrow the scope of legislation that could ban TikTok in the US, creating new obstacles as the Biden administration seeks to confront China’s influence.

The Information Technology Industry Council, which represents companies including International Business Machines Corp., Microsoft Corp. and Apple Inc., is among groups lobbying to narrow the legislation, according to people familiar with those conversations who asked not to be named discussing the politically sensitive issue. Companies that make both hardware and software are worried they could become ensnared by a Senate bill that’s been gaining momentum and is aimed at TikTok, the Chinese-owned video app, the people said.